If you’re a regular Kroger customer there’s an easy way to earn two times the gas points while shopping on weekends through June.

Download this digital coupon to your Kroger card now, and you’ll immediately start earning twice the gas points on grocery purchases made Friday through Sunday now through June 30. You only have to download the coupon once to earn more points each weekend.

Exclusions from this deal include pharmacy and gift card purchases. Additional restrictions may apply.

You may have noticed the coupon in Wednesday’s paper as well (apologies for not pointing it out sooner, I was just returning from vacation), so feel free to use the hard copy instead of downloading the deal if you still have yesterday’s newspaper.

Discounts for senior citizens are fairly common but unfortunately rarely advertised. I had to do some major digging to get details for this column. Often the information wasn’t listed online or posted in shops, so what’s the average consumer supposed to do? I recommend you ask — ask everywhere you do business.

Part of the reason some businesses don’t widely post their discounts or offers for seniors is that they change often or vary by location. Restaurants are the best example of this. Many chain restaurants, both fast food and casual dining, offer a percentage off or free beverages to senior diners, but the deal often depends on the management.

For example, the Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins location on Franklin Road in Roanoke offers seniors a 10 percent discount, but other locations, such as Dunkin’ Donuts retailers within WilcoHess gas stations, may not honor the same promotion.

The same is true for Hallmark stores. Locally, Jaclyn’s Hallmark stores offer a 10 percent discount on Tuesdays, but some other shops in the area offer none.

Some restaurants may also have a special menu for seniors. IHOP and Denny’s have a menu for diners age 55 and older that includes a limited number of discounted items.

Retailers generally offer special discounts on a certain day. Belk offers seniors a discount on the first Tuesday of each month. The discount is usually 15 percent, but can vary.

Retail locations that offer weekly deals include C.J. Banks (10 percent off on Wednesdays), Hamrick’s (10 percent off on Tuesdays), Ross (10 percent off on Tuesdays) and Kohl’s (15 percent off on Wednesdays).

By stacking coupons, sale prices and a senior discount, it’s possible to save a bundle on groceries. Local retailer Eats Natural Foods in Blacksburg offers senior shoppers a 15 percent discount. Each Tuesday, Kroger locations offer seniors a 5 percent discount on their total shopping bill.

It’s not necessary to be a member of AARP or AAA to save on travel costs as a senior. Most chain hotels offer discounts to seniors that range from 10 percent to 30 percent. These rates change often and can vary by location. Greyhound offers senior travelers a 5 percent discount on bus fare as well.

If you’re traveling to U.S. national parks, seniors can pick up a lifetime pass for only $10 — a huge discount compared to the $80 annual pass available to the general public. Staying in your own back yard? You can get a variety of discounted passes for Virginia state parks, too.

Movie tickets round out the collection of savings.

Valley View Grande 16 offers senior tickets for $8.50 all day, and Carmike 10 at Tanglewood offers tickets for $7.25 on weekdays or $7.75 on weekends. The prices at other Regal and Carmike theaters in Southwest Virginia, though, may vary.

Locally owned theaters have some promotions, too. The Grandin Theatre in Roanoke and Westlake Cinema in Hardy both offer seniors movie tickets for $7.50 all day. Occasionally, the Buchanan Theatre in Botetourt County has special showings with discounted senior prices.

What other senior discounts have you found around town?  Share your favorite deals.

Yesterday Kroger shocked some shoppers when it posted this message on its Facebook page about how the grocer will no longer be doubling coupons:

“In an effort to provide you with the most value for your dollar, we are updating our coupon policy and implementing a New Lower Prices program. Effective May 12, 2013, we are discontinuing our practice of doubling (up to 50 cents) manufacturer coupons in the Mid-Atlantic region. We will continue to accept manufacturer coupons and other coupons at face value, including: digital coupons, e-coupons, …Catalina coupons and printables. We will also be investing additional resources into lowering prices for our customers on everyday items. We understand that this is a significant change. We hope that you come and see our new low prices – as well as the many other ways to save — for yourself.
• Downloadable, clip-free coupons daily on www.kroger.com
• Special sales events such as Mega Event and Cart Busters
• Fuel savings program that offers up to $1 off per gallon at Kroger Fuel Centers
• 10¢ off per gallon gas savings opportunity at participating Shell stations
• Loyal Customer Mailings containing customized coupons.
• $4/$10 generic drug pricing (see Pharmacy for details)”

Amanda Codispoti has more about this announcement and the retailer’s lower prices on the Storefront blog.

I’m interested in knowing what this means for your shopping habits. Will you continue to be a Kroger shopper?

The gas points are still valuable, but is that enough? The digital coupons Kroger is promoting so heavily can’t be combined with manufacturer coupons, unlike the paper store coupons Food Lion offers. Will that encourage you to switch, or is the New Lower Prices program enough to keep your business?

Lately there have been some news stories about the decline of coupons (like this USA Today story). Over the past year coupon values have dropped, the number of coupons available has dropped and the number of coupons redeemed in stores has dropped. If shoppers aren’t using as many coupons, will this change at Kroger be a big deal for shoppers?

Tell me your thoughts in the comments section below.

Considering a membership to Sam’s Club? This weekend you can check out what the retailer has to offer during it’s open house Friday through Sunday.

I received this notice from a store representative:

“From Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, Sam’s Club is opening its doors to the public for a three-day spring Open House weekend. Members and non-members across the country will be able to access extraordinary savings on the newest items for spring and summer entertaining including dozens of complimentary warm weather food and beverage items, luxurious patio sets, hybrid grills and accessories for outdoor living from gazebos and pop-up gardens to pool floats and play sets.

During the Open House, Sam’s Club will present a festival of summer-inspired food and beverage samples from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, including but not limited to:

• Patriotic Pound Cake with assorted fresh berries
• Assorted gourmet cheeses including smoked gouda, gruyere and Jarlsburg
• Fresh Enchilada Bake with Brisket and Salsa
• Grilled Steak Salad with Wish-bone® Dressing
• Applewood Smoked Pork Chops
• Garlic and Herb Chicken with Just Add Juice™ Seasoning
• Artichoke Spinach Dip with Pita Chips
• Italian Deli Pasta Salad with Daily Chef Rotini and Castle Wood® Sliced Salami
• Honey BBQ Pork Tenderloin
• Olive Garden Steak with Olive Garden® Italian Dressing
• Fruity Lemonade Cooler with Country Time® Lemonade and fresh watermelon

Several food pairings are sourced from recipes in Fresh, Fast & Fabulous (Version Three), an exclusive Sam’s Club cookbook provided to Open House guests while supplies last. You and your readers can download a digital version of the cookbook with inspiring recipes, cooking tips and brilliant photography at SamsClub.com/meals. “

The sun sets behind storm clouds prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond in September 2012. AP Photo|Jason Hirschfeld

Today through Saturday (April 13) you can earn two free tickets to the Toyota Owners 400 when you make a $200 purchase at Kroger. The $200 must be spent in a single transaction and excludes fuel, pharmacy, gift cards, alcohol and tobacco purchases.

Once you reach $200, the ticket voucher will print on your receipt. To redeem the offer, call 866-455-RACE and mention “Kroger offer.” You’ll then be prompted to enter the nine-digit voucher number on your receipt.

Households are limited to two tickets and there is a limited supply — so call as soon as possible.

The race is being held on April 27 at the Richmond International Raceway.

For more information, call 1-800-576-4377.

Earn two free seats at Martinsville Speedway from Kroger. AP Photo/Autostock|Nigel Kinrade

(Update: I contacted Kroger to clarify that the purchase of gift cards is excluded from this promotion.)

If you purchase $200 in a single transaction at Kroger now through March 16 the grocer will give you a voucher for two free tickets to the STP Gas Booster 500 at Martinsville Speedway on April 7.

Once you hit the $200 goal a ticket voucher will print on your receipt. To redeem the voucher, call 877-RACE-TIX and mention “Kroger Offer.” Make sure you have the 9-digit voucher number from the receipt handy before calling.

Fine print:
*Fuel, pharmacy, alcohol and tobacco purchases are excluded from this promotion.
*There’s a limit a two free tickets per household.
*Limited ticket quantites are available.

Though fuel isn’t an eligible purchase for this promotion, it is worth mentioning that Kroger is giving out four-times the gas points for select gift card purchases now through March 30.

Friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter for more updates.

Easter is just one month away — hard to believe, right?

If your household will be dying eggs this year, here are a few coupons that will make you happy.

Visit the PAAS Facebook page and “like” it to unlock printable coupons offering $1 off two egg decorating kits, or $1.50 off of three egg decorating kits. These coupons don’t expire until April 1.

Then, head over to the Incredible Edible Egg where you can print a coupon offering 55 cents off the purchase of any two one-dozen cartons of eggs. This coupon doesn’t expire until March 29.
Hint: After printing the coupon click your browser’s “back” button three times to print it again.

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and whether you’ll be watching for the commercials, the half-time show or the actual game there’s a good chance you’ll be doing so with friends and family.

 Here are some money saving party tips for hosts and guests:

*Don’t stress over what to bring the host or prepare for guests, there are some great party foods that don’t require many ingredients (we’re talking 5 or less). Such as: these simple lemon bars, avocado hummus, pumpkin brownies, caramel apple grapes, Snicker salad, beer-cheese fondue , honey mustard chicken bites and pimiento cheese rolls (just to name a few).

*Skipping the prepared food in the grocery store will definitely save you some bucks, but if you’re really short on time (like, on your way out the door as you read this) check out these Hormel coupons on Coupons.com. There are coupons for Hormel chili, pepperoni, party trays, deli meats and more — tons of products that can be transformed into tasty game day treats in a hurry. There are also some great offers from other brands. If you can find any of this stuff on sale and use a coupon you should get a Super Bowl ring of your own.

*I’m usually not a big fan of “buy more, save more” sales because they can trick shoppers into spending more than they should, but that’s not always the case with beer or wine.
Kroger will give you 20% off wine when you purchase six bottles that are 250 mL or larger. Similarly, you can get 20% off beer when you buy four six-packs. If you’re stocking up for a party or would like to give the host(ess) a treat, this is a great deal.
It’s also possible save by purchasing larger cases, or buying your beverages at Sam’s Club. As always, be sure to drink responsibly.

*Invest wisely in your party. Let the TV be the main event and go minimal on the decor. What’s most important for a Super Bowl party? Plenty of seating, cups, ice, plates and napkins. Don’t be shy about asking guests to bring a little extra of a specific item or BYOB if necessary.

*If you do feel the need to dress up your home a little for the event check out the clearance section at Walmart, the dollar store or the grocery store. I’ve seen football-themed items on sale already and they’ll keep getting cheaper as we inch closer to Sunday.

 *Outside of Black Friday, the best time to buy a TV is around before the Super Bowl, and it’s no coincidence. If you’re dying for a new big screen or a fancy smart TV take this opportunity to pick one up and show it off during the big game.  For more details, check out this article from The Wall Street Journal.

I’m usually not a fan of digital coupons that are loaded onto a shopper’s card, but this one I like.

Click here to sign up for a digital coupon from Kroger offering $3 off a purchase of $10 or more on health and beauty items. That’s a great opportunity to stock up and save.

This coupon doesn’t expire until March 12, so you’ve got some time to use it. If you’re interested, load it on your card now — you never know when it will disappear.

Food Lion has a great promotion running now through Jan. 29. Here’s a press release from the company, I’ve highlighted the most important details in bold:

Food Lion Offers Customers Up to $10 in Free Groceries Per Visit Starting This Week – Jan. 29

Store Brand Super Sale Rewards Loyal Shoppers Who Purchase Food Lion Brands

 SALISBURY, N.C. — Starting today [Jan. 2] through Jan. 29, Food Lion shoppers can earn up to $10 in free groceries every time they buy store brand products.

“Food Lion wants to put money back in customers’ pockets by rewarding our loyal customers,” said Todd Elledge, Food Lion’s marketing manager of ‘Our Brands.’ “We know that our customers are using more store brand products, and this is one way we can thank them. We also want to provide additional incentive for customers who may not have tried our store brand products.”

Each time customers shop at Food Lion during the Store Brand Super Sale and purchase at least four store brand products using their Food Lion MVP card, they earn a money-saving coupon.

Customers get $1 in coupons for the first four store brand products they purchase and 25 cents back for each additional store brand product they buy – up to $10 – during the promotion.

Store-brand products included in the super sale include Food Lion brand, my essentials, Home 360, Home 360 Baby, Home 360 Pet, Healthy Accents, Nature’s Place and Taste of Inspirations.

The promotion allows customers to use their MVP loyalty card to take advantage of lower prices available by purchasing their favorite store brand products. The coupons are redeemable on customers’ next grocery bill.  Customers can view full details of the promotion online at www.FoodLion.com<http://DelhaizeAmerica.pr-optout.com/Url.aspx?525535x6722x-129002>. The promotion is available in all markets.

About Food Lion
Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., is a subsidiary of Delhaize America, the U.S. division of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG) and operates more than 1,100 supermarkets.  The company employs approximately 58,000 associates delivering quality products, low prices and service to customers in 11 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com<http://DelhaizeAmerica.pr-optout.com/Url.aspx?525535x6722x-129002>. Find Food Lion business updates on Twitter @FoodLionNews or at www.foodlion.com/corporate/pressroom<http://DelhaizeAmerica.pr-optout.com/Url.aspx?525535x6721x-123713>.

As a shopping enthusiast sometimes you strike gold and sometimes bargain hunting feels like a waste of time.

Luckily, this weekend I struck gold at CVS, Kohl’s and Food Lion.

At CVS I lowered my checkout price from $50 to $17 with coupons and ExtraBucks before being rewarded with another $11 in ExtraBucks. Factor the new ExtraBucks in and my total bill was only $6.
That’s especially awesome when you consider some of my purchases: a new razor, razor refills, tissues, Glade air fresheners and mascara. Those can be pricey items.

I also found some gems hidden on the clearance racks at Kohl’s. I picked up two dresses and one top, which all came out to less than $10 each with my extra 15% off coupon (which they scanned from my phone, a perk I wish other stores would honor more often). I also grabbed up some Starbucks K-cups that were on sale and a few accessories for myself from another clearance rack. Kohl’s coupons are great since there are usually no exclusions, I got a discount on all of my sale and clearance purchases.
My total came out to just over $50, which also meant I got $10 in Kohl’s Cash to spend in the coming weeks. I’m hoping to stock up on some of the fantastic Christmas decor that was already on sale – some of it up to 50% off! 
Even though I spent over $50 in the store on this trip, I left with a big bag full of new stuff. What really helps put the savings in perspective is when you consider this dress that I found on clearance was originally $40, just $10 less than my total purchase for the day.

What was originally a quick stop at Food Lion to pick up ground chicken for dinner turned into big savings. I love Amy’s brand soups, but unfortunately they can be a little more than I want to pay on a regular basis. I was very excited when I found tons of cans on clearance for half-off ($1.99) in the store over the weekend and stocked up. These cans don’t expire until September of 2014.
I also found a great deal on thin-sliced chicken breasts in the meat department. I love cooking with these, but they can also be priced higher than I prefer. Food Lion often discounts its meat on Sundays, so I timed it perfectly to find a family-size pack of the chicken breasts for only $5.40. This was cheaper than the regular size packs in the cooler, and I can split the pack up and use it for multiple meals.

Have you had any shopping victories lately? Tell me about them!
 Tons of retailers already have Christmas specials and most Halloween/autumn goods are on clearance, so it’s time to stock up.

Cue the “Twilight Zone” music — Halloween is sneaking up on us and you’d better be prepared. If you’re not careful, the cost of your Halloween candy alone will give you goose bumps. Follow these dos and don’ts for buying candy as you prepare for the 31st and your wallet will stay safe this October.

You should definitely …

* Combine manufacturer coupons with sale prices and store coupons. Companies are releasing candy coupons nearly weekly. Clip those coupons and combine them with any great sale or clearance prices. A common price point for many shoppers is $1.50 per bag.
Walgreens, CVS and Target often have store coupons for candy that can be combined with manufacturer coupons, so don’t forget to look for those as well. Also factor in any register rewards or gift cards that can be earned with purchases.

* Check out the selection at the dollar store. Family Dollar, Dollar General and Dollar Tree all carry name-brand products and accept coupons. You could hit the jackpot.

* Visit online retailers to price compare. Amazon and Oriental Trading Post both have specials throughout the year on candy and holiday-themed products. These are especially sweet deals if you can get free shipping.

* Buy candy that lasts. Milk chocolate has a shorter shelf life than dark chocolate and hard candies. If you’re concerned about having leftovers, invest in the latter and use the extras over Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Some products, such as caramels and chocolate-covered candies, can even go in the freezer.

* Wait until the last minute. Yes, I’m advising you to procrastinate. It’s always tempting to grab a few bags of candy when they hit the shelves, but the closer you get to the actual day, the cheaper it will be. Start stocking up the day after Halloween for future holidays or general treats.

You should definitely not …

* Only shop in the holiday-themed aisles. Go back to the regular candy aisle and compare prices. Sometimes companies price special holiday products higher, even if the only difference is the packaging. Kids won’t care that their candy is wrapped in orange and black.

* Buy your favorite candy. If you’re a chocoholic with little self-control, buy other sweets that won’t tempt you before the holiday. Otherwise, you may have to stock up twice.

* Assume Sam’s Club has the best price. Buying goods in bulk can lead to big savings, but sometimes the prices aren’t as low as at retailers that are having a sale and accept coupons. If you have time, visit the store to compare prices before you buy.

* Let the kids dig in. Hand out the goods yourself instead of extending the candy bowl to visiting trick-or-treaters. Try to be consistent with each child, a couple of pieces of candy per person, so you don’t run out too early or have to buy extra bags.

* Be concerned about being the coolest house on the block. For kids, part of the thrill of trick-or-treating is the hunt. Kids won’t know you picked up the cheapest bag of candy on the shelf, and passing out full-size candy bars will only give you a few seconds of fame. Stick with a candy within your price range and don’t stress; gum and lollipops are often the cheapest varieties.

* Forget there are other options. If you don’t want to hand out candy, consider handing out mini bags of popcorn or pretzels (prepackaged). Some readers mentioned handing out spider rings, nuts and colorful pencils.

Halloween freebies

Macaroni Kid Roanoke will be hosting its 2nd Annual Costume Swap on Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. At this totally free event, you have the opportunity to pick out a gently used costume for your child.

In order to participate, drop off your own gently used kids’ costumes today through Oct. 9 at the LFA Consignment Sale, 3419 Orange Ave. N.E., Roanoke. Upon turning in a costume, you’ll receive a swap ticket to attend the event on Oct. 14.

Drop-off hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon Monday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday.

For more information, email jamiec@macaronikid.com.

Kroger this week announced the extension of a promotion that doubles the maximum points redeemable for a discount at its fuel centers.

Through the rest of 2012, Kroger Plus Card shoppers can collect up to 2,000 points each month and save up to $2 per gallon of fuel.

Grocery shoppers who use the loyalty card earn 100 fuel points for every $100 spent in Kroger stores. Each 100 points translates to 10 cents off per gallon of gas in a single fill up — and the previous maximum redemption was 1,000 points or $1 off each gallon.

“We have extended this promotion at our customers’ request,” spokesman Carl York stated in a news release. “We know it comes at a good time with the continued increase in prices at the pump.”

The quadruple fuel points promotion has ended.

There is a great way to earn extra points now too. Most gift cards sold in the grocery store earn double points everyday. Quadruple points are being offered for a limited time. The purchase of a $50 Kroger gift card, which usually earns 100 gas points is now worth 200 points, for example.

Most stores have large displays of gift cards for other popular retailers, restaurants and subscriptions, from Aeropostle to T.G.I. Friday’s and Xbox LIVE. You can even shop online at the Kroger Gift Card Mall.

Now would be a great time to purchase gift cards for your own holiday shopping or to give as gifts this winter!

Earthbound Farm Organic sends out coupons for fresh produce almost daily in their email newsletter. Learn where to sign up below.

Here are a few printable coupons to help you power through the rest of this week.

*Red Lobster has this printable coupon good for $10 off any two adults entrees — even the Four Course Seafood Feast. Just visit the restaurant’s Facebook page to claim the offer, which is good through August 5.

* Pilot Travel Centers has another great coupon for anyone on the go. Visit the store’s Facebook page you’ll find a coupon good for a free hot or cold beverage. This coupon is good through August 31.

* Shoe Carnival has just released a printable coupon offering $5 off a purchase of $39.98 or higher. This is perfect timing for back to school shoppers! This coupon is good through September 4.

* McDonald’s still has this printable coupon available offering smoothies, frappes, Chillers and frozen lemonade buy one, get one free. This coupon expires July 31.

* Sonic is offering a free small order of tots when you buy a premium beef hotdog with this printable coupon. This coupon is good through August 10.

Produce coupons are pretty rare, but they’re wonderful when they come along.

* Click here to access a printable coupon offering a free avocado when you buy four. This coupon is good through October 16.

* I recently signed up for the Earthbound Farm Organic newsletter. Now, I receive coupons for fresh produce, like spinach and other greens, almost daily. If you pair these coupons, some of which have been as much as 75 cents off, with any clearance prices you could save a ton. Click here to sign up.

Click here to print an awesome coupon: $5 off a $25 purchase at Food Lion. This coupon is good through June 5 (Tuesday) and can be combined with other coupons.

I used the coupon last night and really stocked up. I grabbed meat that was on clearance, paper plates and napkins on clearance, and Emeril and Stubbs spices that were on closeout for about $1 each.

I also saw tons of diapers on clearance.

Be sure your printer is ready because this coupon can only be printed once.

Check out it and see what you can stock up on!

From 3 to 8 p.m. tomorrow (May 11), participating Kroger stores will be giving away a free bag of chips to each shopper while supplies last.

Many local stores are participating, but check out this list to see if your favorite location is.

There’s no purchase necessary, so stop in for this no-strings-attached freebie to brighten your Friday afternoon!

Grocery bills are a huge chunk of everyone’s weekly expenses, but the price of food really skyrockets when you or a family member suffers from food allergies.

The price of these items is enough to steer away most folks who don’t need to buy them. But allergies to gluten, peanuts, dairy, soy and other foods seem to be becoming more common. So how can you save a buck when shopping for these special diets?

Eat what’s in season. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables when they’re abundant and on sale. Also, shop for clearance fruits and vegetables. Just because these foods are nearing the end of their shelf life doesn’t mean they are inedible; you’ll just have to use them soon.

Once you figure out what products work for you, shop for them in bulk. If your diet requires a specialty baking mix, for example, search for it at Sam’s Club or at online retailers. Amazon.com offers certain products in bulk or auto-ordered at a discount, as well.

For example, Amazon was offering a four-pack of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Homemade Wonderful Bread Mix for $15.60. If you signed up to receive this product automatically on a delivery schedule, the price dropped to $13.26.

Try your hand at meal planning. This doesn’t mean you need to plan out a month’s worth of meals at one time, but check out what’s on sale for the week and try to pair that with meals you can eat. You can even cook up a couple of big batches of a recipe and eat it over multiple days, which also could save you some time.

Don’t overload your cart on fresh foods you can’t freeze or finish before they go bad. Some simple planning can help you avoid losing money and wasting food.

Keep the convenience foods for special occasions and busy days. Specialty convenience foods, such as snack crackers, pre-made breads and frozen foods, are often about three times the cost of the basic versions. Keep them on hand for treats or when there’s no time to cook, but try to avoid buying them on each shopping trip.

Always look for coupons. Coupons can be found on food packaging and on websites such as www.enjoylifefoods.com, http://www.befreeforme.comand www.mambosprouts.com. Periodically, you’ll also find specialty food coupons on Coupons.com and in the Sunday newspaper. Combine the coupons with sale prices whenever possible to save the most.

Never go to the grocery store when you’re hungry and keep your kitchen stocked with nonperishable basics. Anything you can keep that’s dry or canned should be stocked at all times. Replenish your stockpile as items go on sale. The more you can cook at home with items you got at a discount, the more you’ll save.

 Use your appliances to their fullest potential. Many vegetables can be put in your freezer and used months later. Consider bagging entire slow-cooker dinners and freezing them for quick and healthy meals when the vegetables are no longer in season. You also can freeze pre-made meals and breads. Just be sure to keep note of what you have in your freezer and mark the date that the items were frozen.

Do you or a loved one suffer from food allergies and have money-saving tips? Where do you find the best deals on diet-friendly foods?

Have you noticed any changes at Food Lion? Photo by Travis Long, Raleigh News & Observer/MCT.

Recently Food Lion rolled out a new strategy that was to include cheaper prices and a concentration on produce and store brand products. You may have read about it on Amanda Codispoti’s Storefront blog.

Since then, in-store kiosks have also started popping up, offering shoppers coupons and other perks for scanning their MVP card upon arrival.

It’s been a couple weeks since the changes have started taking place, and I’d like to hear your experiences. Are the prices any cheaper? Do you notice more fresh produce? Have you ever actually tried the coupon kiosk?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Head over to the Incredible Edible Egg Facebook page now and you’ll find a printable coupon good for 55 cents off of 2 dozen eggs.

This offer is just in time for those parents with kids who love to dye eggs before Easter. Coupons for fresh produce and dairy are rare, so take advantage of this offer while you can!

Photo by viZZZual.com, Flickr.

Some of you may have caught the typo in Kroger’s ad this week advertising English cucumbers for 9 cents. Well, I went by Kroger yesterday to find out if it was indeed a mistake, when lo and behold there was a sign next to the cucumbers apologizing to customers and indicating the actual price of 99 cents a piece.

Each store may handle this situation differently, but most will probably be charging the intended 99 cents.

Sorry to burst your bubble. If you find a store actually charging 9 cents a piece, let me know.

Retailers are diving into the summer season. Will you be joining them?

It’s been a gloomy weekend, but the ads and inserts today should have you thinking sunny thoughts. Retailers are jumping into summer, and they’re tempting you to do the same with some great sales.

We’ve got more coupons this week than we’ve had since the weekend before Easter (that awesome 4-insert Sunday, remember?).

Both SmartSource and Redplum have booklets with a wide variety of products. A few standouts include coupons for Johnson & Johnson first aid products and a free first aid kit offer, Aveeno sun protection products and a BOGO Gillette coupon in Redplum. SmartSource has great coupons for Red Lobster, Hidden Valley, “People” magazine, Huggies, Oscar Mayer, Hershey’s/Honey Maid/Jet-Puffed (don’t forget about the printable coupon from earlier this week! you should be able to use both here) and Logan’s Roadhouse.

Kroger starts its frozen food sale this week, offering tons of frozen items for a fraction of the normal cost. Cool Whip, Green Giant veggies, Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s products, Tyson chicken, Popsicle items and so many other products are on sale. You can save even more by buying any 10 participating items and get an additional $5 off! Stock up now, as some of these products rarely go on sale.
Other fresh products are also on sale, like eggs, Yoplait yogurt, sweet corn and 1% or skim milk.

Target has various outdoors goodies on sale (watering cans, lawn chairs, flower pots, etc.) for $20 or less, but the biggest deals can be found on sandals and swimsuits. Sandals for the whole family are on sale for $18 or under, and swim suits for women and girls are only $14 per piece.

I know it seems early, but you might consider doing some Christmas shopping this week at Toys R Us. Tons of items are on sale, but by utilizing their layaway program you can really stock up. Pricey products like the Nintendo Wii, Wii games, Little Tikes, Fisher-Price and select XBOX 360 games are all on sale. One of the best deals is a free movie ticket to “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” with the purchase of any Priates of the Carribean product $25 or more.
Look out for the diaper and formula coupons on the back, too!

A.C. Moore and Michaels are battling for the best bargains this week. While I think Michaels wins, A.C. Moore has some good prices on wall decor, seasonal flags, silk flowers, frames and scrapbooking materials.
Michaels takes the cake with its buy one, get one for a penny sale, though. Framing can be expensive, even when you’re doing it yourself, but tons of their frame selection falls under this sale. Other products that apply are artist pads and canvas and garden pots.

Walgreens will continue to have vitamins buy one, get one free this week, as well as laundry products, Kleenex and more. Neutrogena sun care will all be buy one, get one half off (you can find a $2 coupon here, too!), while Aveeno sun care is $2 off (don’t forget to use your coupon, too!). L’Oreal, Revlon, Covergirl and Maybelline products are also available for buy one, get one half off, so now is a good time to stock up and combine these deals with coupons.

CVS usually has nice sales on makeup, but this week is especially good. L’Oreal products are already on sale, but you could also earn some ExtraBucks by buying them. Covergirl, Neutrogena, Revlon and Physicians Formula are also on sale. There’s no reward for ExtraBucks with these items, but if you’re a member of the Beauty Club the purchase of these products will go toward your credit of $5 in ExtraBucks with every $50 beauty purchase.
One of my favorite deals this week is the$10 in ExtraBucks that will be given by purchasing two Neutrogena sun care or sunless tanning products. Combine that deal with the printable coupons you can find here, and you’ll get a great price on some otherwise expensive products.

Dick’s Sporting Goods has a special ad for golf lovers. An assortment of clubs in all price ranges are on sale, as well as shoes and apparel. Select golf balls are buy two, get one free. If your dad is a golf lover, it may be a good opportunity to do some early Father’s Day shopping.

Print your $1 off McCafe Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Coupon now! It doesn't expire until June 15, so make time to enjoy it on a sunny day.

There’s a new group of food deals today for your enjoyment. Check out anything you’re interested in ASAP before any limits are reached!

My co-worker Lindsey Nair also filled me in on a sale going on at FineCooking.com. They’re having a warehouse sale and you can find some great deals on popular cookbooks here – all of them are $25 or under, but most are closer to $10. They’re also selling their special issues of the magazine, which normally retail for $10, for half off here. This sale ends May 31.

Visit the Lunchables Facebook page and you can print out a $1 coupon for Lunchables with Fruit. These are on sale at Kroger this week! (The page is running slowly, so be patient!)

Print this coupon and you can receive $1 off a regular sub or $2 off a large sub at Quiznos. There’s a second coupon for free chips and a drink when you buy a regular sub, a large sub or a salad.

S’mores is a classic treat, and right now you can print this coupon that offers one free package of Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows when you buy both Honey Maid Grahams and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. Though this coupon is being promoted by Walmart, it can be used at any grocer.

Now through Saturday (May 14), use the code TASTY at Restuarant.com and you’ll get 70% off of a gift card purchase. That means a $25 gift certificate to your favorite restaurant will only cost you $3. I always recommend calling the restaurant you’re interested in and clarifying the details about the use of Restaurant.com gift cards — they vary by each location.

Right at Home, an extension of the Johnson & Johnson company, is giving away 2,500 free boxes of gallon size Ziploc Brand Freezer Gallon Bags with the Smart Zip Seal. Go here to fill out the necessary information, and your box of freezer bags (15 count) could be on its way!

Visit the Birds Eye Facebook page and you can “spin to win” a $1, $2, or $3 coupon off of Birds Eye Voila after “liking” the page. This is a printable coupon, so you’ll be able to use it right away. Be patient if the site is running slowly, sometimes the high traffic that these types of deals draw slows things down quite a bit. Voila is basically a meal in a bag, so consider picking it up next time you’re shopping for a quick dinner.

If you’re preparing for swim suit season, or still battling the holiday bulge, check out The Atkins Community. This is a nice opportunity for those considering the diet or anyone who has been following it for a while now. You can sign up for a free weight-loss kit that will provide you with a quick-start guide, recipe booklet, coupons and three Atkins bars. This is a good deal since the bars themselves are pretty pricey.

Fans of Emeril are familiar with the chef’s line of popular spices, and BestEmeril.com is now giving everyone a chance to try the Essence seasoning for free. This is a great opportunity to try to the spices if you haven’t yet, and a nice bonus for those of you who are already a fan.

McDonald’s has really stepped up its game in the beverage department (I’m a fan of the berry smoothies), and now they’re offering $1 off the new McCafe Frozen Strawberry Lemonade. It looks delicious! Click here to print off the $1 coupon. All restaurants may not be participating, so check with your favorite location.

I enjoy a few Kashi products, but they are higher than most things I pick up at the grocery store. By going here, you can tell the folks at Kashi what “Real Food” means to you and be rewarded with a $1 coupon for any Kashi cereal or TLC snack. This is especially valuable when used in combination with a sale on either of these products.

Arby’s recently added chicken salad to their menu, and now they’re giving people an opportunity to try it for free. Go to the Arby’s Facebook page, “like” them, and you’ll receive a coupon for a free Market Fresh sandwich with the purchase of a drink. Participate in the Chicken Salad Taste-Off and they’ll also donate $1 to No Kid Hungry.

Also, don’t forget about Starbuck’s Frappucino Happy Hour going on from 3 to 5 p.m. through May 15!

Mother's Day is 1 week from today, and the ads aren't letting you forget it! Flowers are always a safe choice.

This week’s paper is full of ads reminding shoppers of Mother’s Day, so you have no excuse if you forget this year!

First, the coupon inserts:
Pet products are available in all three inserts for both dogs and cats. Chances are whatever food and/or treat brand you prefer will be represented, so keep an eye out.

SmartSource and Redplum both cover your dry and frozen goods, while P&G is full of personal hygeine and beauty supplies.

Coldstone, Arby’s, Abuelo’s and Honeybaked Ham all have available coupons today.

Target has multiple opportunities to earn free gift cards — some as high as $50. In all, I counted $345 in free gift cards available on items currently on sale, ranging from electronics to clothes to items for kids/babies.

J.C. Penney has a great offer available at their salon through May 17. New clients can get a haircut and full highlight for only $70 or a cut and style for $20-25 (with coupon). Existing clients can get a free hair glossing or deep conditioning treatment with a full highlight. These are huge discounts, especially considering some of these services would be performed by senior and master stylists. They also have sales on OPI nail polish, hair tools and hair products.

Michaels is kicking off National Scrapbook Month today with huge savings on scrapbooking items. Paper, stickers, albums, storage and more are all on sale, many up to 40% off. They’re also recognizing Teacher Appreciation Day (May 3) and offering a coupon for 10% off your entire purchase or 40% off one regular priced item.

Best Buy is offering the Amazon Kindle for only $114 including some special offers. This is a great deal. You can get the Kindle for the same price on Amazon.com and at Target, so check out what each place is offering and decide what works best for you.

CVS is offering more ExtraBucks this week than it has for a while. Consider buying mom some beauty and pampering items for her special day and you could really stock up (especially if you’re part of the Beauty Club). Take a look through the ad and you’ll find ExtraBucks offered for something in every department — over $100 are offered in the ad.

Of course Kroger is helping celebrate Mom, too, with sales on roses, hanging baskets and other plants available in stores. Pepsi products are on special, as well as packaged meat. Organic Bartlett pears and apples are only 99 cents per pound. Michelina’s frozen entrees are only 88 cents each, so stock up. The 10 Item Mega Event is still happening, so buy 10 participating items and you’ll also save $5.

A store's coupon policy should be pretty straight forward, right? Not all of them are, and some policies aren't readily available to consumers.

Over the past few months, Kroger and Food Lion have been heavily promoting their new digital coupons, which  can be loaded directly onto a shopper’s rewards card.

While these digital coupons save consumers from clipping and carrying paper coupons, they could also be limiting savings. With the rollout of the new digital options, the coupon policies of stores are changing, and here are some details about how you can benefit most as a consumer.

Kroger no longer allows shoppers to  combine an eCoupon with a paper coupon. While this rule was already in effect in relation to the digital coupons available on Kroger.com, this updated rule applies to users downloading coupons from Cellfire and Shortcuts eCoupons.

This means that  any digital coupons  downloaded to your rewards card will be automatically applied  and a paper coupon for the same product  can’t be used (unless you’re buying two or more of the same product).

Generally, I’ve noticed that many paper or printable coupons carry a higher value than digital coupons, so this could be a big downside to the digital downloads. Perhaps the biggest negative, though, is that digital coupons don’t double. Kroger stores double any coupon under 50 cents and triple any coupon up to 39 cents (UPDATE: This is no longer offered in our region), as long as the coupon doesn’t list any restrictions. Additionally, only one coupon per item is allowed, but there is not a limit on the number of coupons shoppers may use.

Food Lion’s coupon policy has been going through some changes, too. Coupons can no longer be “stacked” (using a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon).  According to Food Lion’s updated policy, a limit of 10 identical items can be purchased using a separate coupon for each.

Similar to Kroger, the digital coupons at Food Lion are applied once your MVP card is scanned. When asked about the company’s policy for doubling coupons, Food Lion Spokesperson Benny Smith declined to comment. I called various stores in the area and found out that some stores double paper coupons and some do not.

Walmart has a favorable coupon policy for consumers. A majority of competitors’ coupons are accepted, checkout coupons (those printed at the competitors’ registers) are accepted and if the coupon value exceeds the price of the item, the excess can be given back as cash or applied toward the purchase. Like Kroger and Food Lion, there is only one coupon allowed per item. Walmart does not double or triple coupons, and currently Walmart.com only offers printable coupons.

Unlike the other stores, Kroger’s paper coupon policy is not readily available to shoppers online or in stores  (the digital policy is available online). For details, you must call your local store or 1-800-KROGERS.

It seems to me that Kroger should have a printed or digital copy of the policy for shoppers to refer to, especially when significant changes occur. What do you think? Tuesday afternoon I finally got an email back from Kroger customer service stating you could use a manufacturer’s coupon and store coupon at the same time, but this differed from what I was told by store managers. I would recommend calling your preferred store and asking about their policy.

To view Walmart’s coupon policy, click here.

To view Food Lion’s coupon policy, click here.

To view Kroger’s digital coupon policy, click here.

Take your time reading the paper and scanning the ads this morning, there are no coupon packets to be clipped.

Here are the best deals I found in Today’s paper:

*Kroger has a variety of frozen pizzas on sale this week including Tombstone, Red Baron, DiGiorno, California Pizza Kitchen and Tony’s. Stock up for those last minute dinners!
The latest 10 for $10 sale includes great products such as Goldfish, salad, Nabisco Go-Paks and Snak-Saks, Pictsweet Steam’ables, Lunchables, Crest toothpaste and more. These are all products that many families use each week, so be on the lookout.

* Target has exclusive tees and CDs for Beatles fans, and when you buy any 2 you’ll get a $5 gift card. I’m sure these will go fast, so go early in the week if you’re interested!

*Jo-Ann Fabrics is celebrating its grand opening this week and there are lots of opportunities to save. On the back of the grand opening flier you’ll find coupons for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, all for 50% off any regular priced item. Inside look for the opportunities for freebies and news about Teacher Appreciation Day Saturday (20% off the total purchase for all teachers). All day Saturday shoppers can also save 50% on select classes.
You’ll also find the store’s normal ad with additional coupons and notes about sale items.

*CVS  has select grocery items including Emeral, Nabisco, Kellogg’s snacks and products. You’ll have the opportunity to earn Extra Bucks with the purchase of Glade products (remember to print the coupon from Coupons.com first!), Jergens, Maybelline, Covergirl, Physicians Formula, L’Oreal and more. Beauty Club members: remember that you earn $5 in Extra Bucks with every $50 beauty purchase, and some of these sale items apply.

*Sears  will have 20% off all Craftsman power lawn & garden and outdoor storage. This is a good time to look at that pricey pressure washer or leaf blower — things that make your life easier but you hate to pay a lot for.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

There are no coupons to worry about clipping this week (from the paper, at least), so just work on enjoying the weekend!

I have good news and bad news:
The bad news is that there are no coupon inserts this Sunday, but the good news is that I have details on other deals that are still great.

First of all, the inserts:
*Kroger is starting up a pizza sale, as well as a new round of items that will be 10 for $10.

*Fans of The Beatles need to head to Target, where they will find exclusive items as well as a chance to earn a $5 gift card.

*The new Jo-Ann Fabrics store in Towers is now open, and you’ll find multiple coupons and grand opening offers in their ads.

*CVS will have select grocery and snack items for less than $1, as well as multiple opportunities to earn Extra Bucks (especially on make-up, where you can earn even more additional Bucks if you’re part of the Beauty Club).

*Sears is ready to clean up your lawn for the spring, are you?

Now on to the deals you won’t find in Sunday’s paper:
*Even though there are no coupons to clip in Sunday’s paper, check out Coupons.com. They have a big selection of printable coupons right now including REACH toothbrushes, Glade products, Nivea lip care, “People Style Watch,” “In Style,” “Real Simple,” and tons of other products. Most of these coupons are worth more than the digital coupons you can find to download on your card, too, which is important for shoppers.

*Victoria’s Secret is offering a free sample of the Dream Angels Heavenly perfume now through May 9. Print off this coupon and it could be yours (no purchase nesecessary!). I’ve taken advantage of this deal in the past, and the bottle is a great size. I haven’t used it up yet!

*Old Navy will be having a One Day Wonder Sale on all polos this Saturday (in-store only). Solid color polos for the whole family will only be $6 (limit of 5 per customer, so bring a friend if you want more).

*If you want a free sample of Zantac (remember how convenient those samples are?), click here.

*Remember to go get your free Starbucks today!

*In honor of Earth Day, Lowes will be giving away 1 million trees for free on Saturday. For more details and to find out if your Lowes is participating, click here.

So, even though it’s a bummer that there are no coupons to be clipped (coupons.com will clip them for you, just print and go), take advantage of the opportunity to relax and enjoy the holiday.

The weekend is almost over, but fortunately we’ve got lots of deals to look forward to this week.

Toys R Us has an impressive ad this week. Little Tikes, Fisher-Price Dollhouse Accessries and Crayola Outdoor Chalk & Bubbles are all buy 1, get 1 free. Each of these are quality and mom-trusted brands, so stock up now for the summer, or even hold onto some items for Christmas and birthdays. There are also tons of other great BOGO deals, and every Easter item in the store is on sale. Another super deal is the free $15 gift card you’ll receive when any 2 boxes of Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive value boxes of diapers is bought.

Kmart has Easter treats on sale, as well as family footwear. Make sure to check out the clearance footwear, where everything will be an additional 50% off. There are tons of BOGO items available here, too. Pay special attention to the housewares section, where you’ll find a coupon for $30 off of a home purchase of $100 or more. This coupon is good on regular, sale and/or clearance items, so stock up!

Michaels has their entire stock of Easter baskets 40% off. Not only are these baskets great for Easter, but some would make great decorations and/or gift baskets throughout the summer. Go shopping on Sunday evening between 4 and 8 p.m. and you can use a $5 off of every $25 spent coupon, as well as a 40% any regular priced item coupon (the 40% off deal is good through April 16).

Target is offering free gift cards with purchase on multiple purchases this week. Those include:
Buy a 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle, get a free $50 gift card
Buy a Callaway or Bridgestone 12-pack of golf balls, get a free $5 gift card
Buy a 42-tablet pack of Prilosec OTC, get a free $5 gift card
Buy any two value-packs of participating diapers, get a free $10 gift card
If you’ve been considering any of these items, factor in the gift card to your savings!

Dunkin’ Donuts, China Tastes, Subway and Honeybaked Ham Cafe all have multiple dining coupons available. Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts both concentrate on their breakfast items, so consider keeping these coupons in your car for those mornings when you’re running a little bit behind.

Redplum has an offer for everyone: coffee drinkers, wine drinkers, pet owners, parents and everyone in between. Both this insert and Smart Source are full of pantry and freezer staples, so take the time to stock up soon. Smart Source has some impressive BOGO coupons, and also deals for Petsmart and Pyrex products.

Did I overlook any killer deals? Tell me about it!

Goldfish Sandwich Bread, how cute!

It’s time to talk about the best deals in today’s paper, and there are some interesting ones!

First of all, both P&G and SmartSource are full of great coupons for everyday products. SmartSource in particular caught my eye, though. Not only were there mulitple spring-themed recipes available, I saw coupons for lots of products I didn’t even know existed. Temptations by Jello, limited edition Glade products, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Sandwich Bread, Dole Fruit Crisp and Ziplock VersaGlass containers. The inner-child in me was very amused about the Goldfish bread, I bet kids will love it! Also look for coupons toward Crayola products and Sears portraits.

Michaels is boasting it’s lowest prices of the season in its ad this week. Products for beading, photos, scrapbooking, painting, wedding prep and more range from 40 to 60% off.  You’ll also find more coupons and daily deals on their website this week. If there’s something you like that’s not on sale don’t worry, you can also clip a coupon good for 40% off any regular priced item.

Target has featured free gift cards with purchase a lot lately, and this week is a good opportunity. Buy two of any qualifying products and you’ll get a free $5 gift card. Olay, Pampers, Bounty, Charmin, Tide, Downy and Bounce are all eligible items. Many of these also have manufacturer’s coupons this week. Use those and you could be setting yourself up for major savings.

Fashion Bug has all dresses, shorts, capris, skirts and jackets 25% off, and $10 bonus coupon good through April 23. Spend at least $25 to use the $10 coupon, and you might snag a new spring outfit for under $20.

For those of you itching to get outside, Kmart and Gander Mountain are the ads you should look for. Kmart has all of their pools on sale, with savings up to $200. Trampolines and play sets are also available on deep deals. Gander Mountain is having a “Back Outdoors Sale” where you’ll find tents, sleeping bags, chairs, coolers and more on sale. The purchase of a new tent by The North Face could get you a $20 or $40 gift card, too.

Check out Kroger for savings on lunch time and quick dinner staples. Marie Callender’s, Healthy Choice and Chef Boyardee are all on special, as well as Hunt’s Pasta Sauce, Snack Packs, Manwich and Banquet frozen items. If you haven’t experimented with their digital coupons yet I strongly suggest it. It’s an easy way to save without having to carry coupons. For more info on digital coupons, click here.

It may not be camping season yet, but the sales next week could help you get prepared!

 Smart Source and the P&G Brandsaver will both be making appearances Sunday, combining for over $114 worth of savings.

Gander Mountain and Kmart will both be unveiling sales that will make you want to get out and play more than ever. Now if only the weather would cooperate!

The CVS ad is full of P&G items on sale (that also have available manufacturer coupons!) and opportunities to earn extra bucks.

Fashion Bug wants you to treat yourself with a new spring outfit, and it could end up costing you less than $20. Check the ad for more details.

Walgreens will have tons of cosmetics, personal hygeine and Easter products on special. With your Register Rewards, some of these purchases could even be free!

Target  will feature another $5 gift card offer, and most of the qualifying products have manufacturer’s coupons as well. Stock up now and you could really save!

Lastly, Michaels has an ad that’s thicker than usual. Visit their website for exclusive online daily deals next week and “coupon bonanza.” There are also excellent coupons in the ad, as well as sales on items already 40, 50 and 60% off.

Have you tried Truvia yet? Click below to get a free sample!

Here are the best deals I’ve found today. We’ve got $16 worth of printable coupons!

If you’ve got a home improvement project looming, click here for a Lowes printable coupon good for $10 off of a $50 purchase. The offer ends April 4, so go ahead and start that garden or repaint that room you’ve been putting off!

I shop at both Food Lion and Kroger, but in my experience I’ve had the best luck buying meat at Food Lion. Click here for a printable coupon that will save you $3 on an $8 purchase in the meat department at the grocer.

I rarely treat myself to popcorn at the movies anymore, and it’s mostly because of the high cost. Regal Cinemas (Regal Valley View Grande) is offering two coupons for a $1 small popcorn and $1 small drink good for this weekend only (April 1-3). Click here for more details and to print your coupons.

Truvia is also featuring a special deal today. Click here and you can receive a free sample and $1 off coupon. I use Splenda regularly, but this is a good opportunity to try the latest “natural sweetner” product.

Some examples of the Frito Lay line made with all natural ingredients.

I hope you’re hungry for a snack, because chip manufacturers Frito Lay and Utz are both running great promotions.  

The throwback Utz bag.

If you purchase 10 Kellogg’s cereals through December 31, a $10 pre-paid MasterCard for gas purchases will be coming your way with this rebate form. While 10 boxes of cereal may seem like a lot, since there are a few months to complete this deal it’s not too bad, especially if you use these Kellogg’s coupons.

Smart Source is giving away free Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice samples, and it looks like you receive a full size pouch when you sign up. Get the deal and more information here.

Go here to “like” Degree Women on Facebook and you’ll receive a free sample of the new MotionSENSE product. If you go back and tell them what you think of it, you’ll be entered to receive a $1,000 Zappos gift card.

Avery office supplies also has some freebies up for grabs. Click here to “like” them on Facebook and you’ll receive Avery NoteTabs and PocketTabs. There’s a limited supply (only 1,711 left last I saw), so act fast if you want them! This page is slowing down due to all the traffic, so just be patient.

For the next 2 days Groupon is offering a $15 eBay gift card for only $7. One interesting aspect of this deal is that it can be applied to tax and shipping, something that most online gift cards don’t allow. Click here for more info.

New moms and moms-to-be will like this offer. Udder Covers is offering a free nursing cover and baby sling for free (a $30-$40 value per product), all you have to pay is shipping. The products come in a lot of cute patterns. To get the free product, enter the code EASTER at checkout on each page (these are separate websites). Click here for more information and to browse the nursing covers. Click here for more information and to browse the slings.

Biore Skincare is offering a free cleanser sample after you “like” them on Facebook and vote for which cleanser you think is the best.  Click here for more info and to participate.

Lastly, Hardees is offering this printable coupon for a free caramel crumb biscuit with the purchase of a breakfast combo. This coupon is good through April 12.